Nations Cup: Round two preview

USA v Canada (18:00 local time, 00:00 GMT)

The two sides who won their opening game are set to go head to head tonight in an exciting prospect between two huge rivals.

USA Head Coach Pete Steinberg has made a number of changes to his starting lineup. Jocelyn Tseng, Kimber Rozier, Nathalie Marchino, Sarah Wilson and Lynelle Kugler all start the game.

Steinberg said: “We have a lot of depth, in the forwards in particular. We don’t really know what our best starting lineup is, so it’s a bit of recognising the work load over these next two weeks and also trying to reward some people who have played well.”:

“We’re excited to play Canada - it’s always a good game. What we know about Canada is they played a great game against England. They have some dynamic runners and a great offloading game when they play really fast. Their back row’s very strong and like all Canadian teams they’re good at the breakdown and very physical. So we know they bring some strengths to the table. We’re looking for another chance to compete against a top rugby nation to help us develop and prepare for the World Cup.”

Canada have also made some changed to their side. Claragh Pegg and Kim Donaldson are promoted to the Canadian front-row  while Kayla Mack replaces Latoya Blackwood at lock.

Despite losing Arielle Dubissette-Borrice to injury, the Canadian backline still looks very pacey.Amanda Thornborough replaces Dubissette-Borrice at outside-centre; otherwise the Canadian backline remains unchanged for this weekend’s game.Head coach Francois Ratier said:   “The game against the United States will be a great battle. They are physical and strong and we look forward to meeting the challenge.  The players are working well on and off the field. Kelly Russell, the Captain, as well as all the veterans are doing a great job of keeping the group in the right mindset."Canada:1. Laura Russell, 2. Kim Donaldson, 3. Claragh Pegg, 4. Kayla Mack, 5. Maria (Jaworski) Samson, 6. Megan Gibbs, 7. Kelly Russell, 8. Jacey Murphy, 9. Stephanie Bernier, 10. Cheryl Phillips, 11. Magali Harvey, 12. Andrea Burk, 13. Amanda Thornborough, 14. Bianca Farella, 15. Elissa AlarieReplacements: 16. Sammy Crandell, 17. Marie-Pier Pinault-Reid, 18. Mary-Jane Kirby, 19. Caitlin Beaton, 20. Tyson Beukeboom, (21. Julia Sugawara, 22. Jessica Dovanne, 23. Katie McNally

USA:1. Hope Rogers, 2. Katy Augustyn, 3. Jamie Burke, 4. Carmen Farmer, 5. Sarah Walsh, 6. Shaina Turley, 7. Lynelle Kugler, 8. Jillion Potter, 9. Jocelyn Tseng, 10. Kimber Rozier, 11. Nathalie Marchino, 12. Sylvia Braaten, 13. Emilie Bydwell, 14. Erica Cavanaugh. 15. Christy RinggenbergReplacements: 16. Sarah Chobot, 17. Sarah Wilson, 18. Kittery Wagner, 19. Stacey Bridges, 20. Kristin Zdanczewicz, 21. Kate Daley, 22. Anne Peterson, 23. Meya Bizer

England v South Africa (16:00 local time, 22:00 GMT)

Wasps Prop Claire Purdy will captain England, in a side which features three debutants in Leanne Riley, Amy Wilson-Hardy and Kate Hancock.

Acting Head Coach Graham Smith’s side fell to a narrow 28-25 loss against Canada in their opening game, but he says that his players are ready to take on South Africa.

He said: “We had some honest conversations with the players after the Canada game and the key factors to the loss were our attention to detail and errors in our one-on-one defence, which we have worked to address in training.

“The focus of this tour is to develop individuals and give opportunities and the changes in selection reflect this. The three new caps in the backs have shown real quality in training and have the opportunity to replicate this in their first full international game.

They face a South African side (their team for the game is TBC) who are also seeking their first win of the competition, but who they should certainly be wary of.

South Africa pushed USA hard in game one, though they suffered disappointing injuries to hooker Celeste Marais who suffered a suspected neck injury, while a serious shoulder injury ended Mathrin Simmers’ campaign.

England:15 Kate Hancock , 14 Georgina Roberts , 13 Amy Wilson–Hardy , 12 Lauren Cattell , 11 Leanne Riley , 10 Emily Scott , 9 Charlotte Keane , 1 Claire Purdy (c) , 2 Mercedes Foy , 3 Justine Lucas , 4 Rebecca Essex , 5 Zoe Saynor , 6 Fiona Fletcher , 7 Victoria Fleetwood , 8 Harriet Millar MillsReplacements:16 Emma Croker , 17 Rochelle Clark , 18 Laura Keates , 19 Isabelle Noel-Smith , 20 Sarah Hunter , 21 Fiona Davidson . 22 Ceri Large , 23 Kay Wilson

South Africa team TBC

All Nations Cup matches will be live-streamedhere.